(jaw dropping!) modern marie antoinette

From Calluna Events – “We recently had our company’s ten year anniversary, a huge accomplishment that called for a lavish party. Ten is a very special celebration that called for something over the top, something that you wouldn’t see at just any party. As a business, we love curating an event to a couple’s individual style, in an authentic way. Once our own party came around we had a very specific vision for our styled shoot and party: Marie Antoinette with a modern twist.

For the shoot, we had so much fun folding in all elements of the Marie Antoinette era while interlacing our professional and personal style in each element that reflected our interpretation of a ‘Modern Marie.’”

From Calluna Events – “Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette garnered inspiration of the opulent style and golds with pops of unexpected saturated color throughout in the florals, desserts, linens and décor. Working with the best event vendors Colorado has to offer, we created a party and styled shoot that was completely over the top yet strategically arranged for an appealing atmosphere – just as our daring Marie had done.

The inspiration started from the get go with an elaborate party invitation. Our ‘Calluna is 10’ logo was hand crafted by highly celebrated calligrapher DesignGirl, the custom design and letterpress was crafted by SWEET Letterpress & Design. An envelope liner featuring a Modern Marie, hand drawn by the lovely and talented Lana’s Shop completed the invite.

All areas the day of the event were decked out in decadence – the clothing, the furniture, the tablescape, the flowers, the linens were all unforgettable. Our party resided in the newly opened industrial chic venue in Denver, Blanc. Exposed brick, a warehouse feel and outdoor space were all crucial elements in creating a cohesive space that housed our vision.”

From Calluna Events – “LMD Productions provided a magnificent pink chandelier and a projection of the Kirsten Dunst/Sofia Coppola Marie Antoinette projecting on a white wall. The projection of the movie during the shoot (and party) provided a modern-day element.

The dessert table was created by Jen Bush of Lucky’s Bakehouse – an over to top sugar display complete with several large cakes, spun sugar, cream puffs, and lots of vibrant color.

Linens came from La Tavola and rentals were sourced from Event Rents + By Design Event Decor. The combination of the two vendors showcased various design styles and an eclectic mix of linens, china, glassware, chargers and place settings. We worked with Yonder (formerly Chairshed) to create a magical ceremony spot with their eclectic vintage white washed chairs and door back drop.

Other areas were a gorgeous and colorful candy bar from Sugarlicious, a stacked book display with covers wrapped in our modern Marie hand drawing by Juniper Books, pashmina’s and parasols across the ceremony chairs were from Splendor For Your Guests and a life-size flower art installation and flower prints decorated the space from bold artist, Kristen Hatgti.

Our dreamy styled shoot was coupled with our anniversary party where industry friends, family and vendors (in costume of course) gathered around to reminisce about Calluna’s 10 years in business. What a way to celebrate such a big milestone!”

From The Perfect Petal Floral Designers – “The ‘Garden Room’ we created two long reflecting pools filled with floating blooms and candles tucked away for a private moment for guests. French inspired topiaries of lavender, olive and jasmine added a soft element to the sleek lines of Blanc. French tulle, hand died ribbons and blooms nestled in the deer heads which are a signature element of Blancs’s decor. Three huge mirrors and a pink chandelier finished the design for luxe design.

The dining room was a feasting table filled will opulence and overflowing blooms of pastels. Hand sewn runners of gold tulle lined the table and played perfectly off of the gold vases with abundant floral using the stems of roses in muted colors of quicksand, hynose, and amnesia accented with mother of pearl and sahara. Massed carnations brought a modern flair in elegant colors of sand and muted lavender. Antique hydrangea, garden roses in dusty rose and cream lisianthus paired perfectly with gilded pineapples and mini gold candelabras.

Cocktail tables were overflowing with gold and pink mercury glass with pastel florals and macaroons to delight.

Guests were treated to peculiar and one of a kind designs using whole pineapples as vessels with blooms bursting from the fruit.

The model carried a beautiful luxe bouquet of sherbet hued garden roses paired with blooming jasmine vine and lilac. The bouquet spanned the color palette of the lightest butter yellow, to golden roses and muted lavenders paired with tangerine and watermelon roses. The bouquet was finished in a French chiffon and silk.”

From Perfect Petal Floral Designers – “The ceremony site featured a reclaimed wood backdrop with antique floral patterned wallpaper. Over and throughout the backdrop will be a light garland of smilax vine, jasmine and passion, and groupings of pale pink, peach, apricot, deep rose, pale gold and mint floral.

Two tall double orb topiaries in French pots framed the structure with loose blooms eclectically placed throughout. In the garden, we treated guests to a whimsical display of flowers blooming directly from the grass, which added to the eccentric and novelty of the entire design.

Inside the barn, we hung gorgeous southern smilax dripping from the ceiling down to the two gilded candelabras. The table was filled with eclectic found objects, vintage glassware and candles along with lush blooms for a fanciful design.”

From Maggie Evans Designs – “Serendipity. That’s where this collaboration began. What Calluna Events didn’t know when they asked me to design seven dresses for their Modern Marie Styled shoot and Party was that I had just been gifted a treasure chest of vintage lace the week prior. One of my clients had inherited her grandmother’s collection of laces, rhinestone appliqués, and pieces of silk netting, and because she was down-sizing, gave it to me! It was the exact collection of special bits and pieces that I needed to create Modern Marie dresses.

I used the traditional silhouettes of ball gown skirts and snug-fitting corsets as a starting point and spruced them up with all of the special laces and trims. Each dress was distinctly its own, but together they created a richly textured story. For the bride, I wanted a stately gown with the feel of romance and beauty. The large piece of hand-made cotton lace was the inspiration for the shape of the bodice. Along with many of the vintage lace pieces, I also used silk taffeta for the bodice and English netting for the skirt. Another vintage lace piece was used to create cuffs for the bride which matched the cuffs that the groom wore under his dress shirt.”

Editor of Burnett's Boards, which she founded to showcase global creativity in the wedding industry. Sara currently lives out of a suitcase while island hopping the Caribbean and beyond. Learn More // Follow on Instagram.